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Abuja: John Cardinal Onaiyekan, former Archbishop of Abuja, has called for stronger collaboration between public and private hospitals to curb medical tourism in Nigeria. Onaiyekan made the call in Abuja on Friday during the commissioning of the Ultra-Modern Operating Suites, Intensive Care Unit, and Renal Dialysis Unit of Wellington Neurosurgery Hospital. According to News Agency of Nigeria, the cardinal, who officiated a Holy Mass before the commissioning, condemned the frequent medical trips abroad by Nigerian leaders. He stated that there was no reason for Nigerians to seek medical treatment overseas when the country had qualified professionals and advanced facilities in some private hospitals. He also emphasized the need for a state of emergency in the health and education sectors, urging the government to partner with the private sector to discourage medical tourism. Onaiyekan commended Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon of the hospital, for building a world-class medical facility in spite of the challenging system. He questioned why public institutions cannot operate at such a high level and suggested that if the government cannot manage it, they should collaborate with private individuals to ensure Nigerians can receive quality care locally. He further urged the government to allocate public funds to developing health facilities instead of sponsoring trips abroad for medical treatment. Senator John Eno, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, also congratulated Ugwuanyi, describing the project as a demonstration of medical excellence and dedication. He offered prayers for divine wisdom for the hospital staff and healing for patients who would benefit from its services. Additionally, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State, praised Onaiyekan for his leadership and Ugwuanyi for his brilliance and diligence as a neurosurgeon. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to emulate Ugwuanyi’s vision and commitment, highlighting that success comes with hard work and discipline. Nwodo also stressed the importance of maintaining the sophisticated facilities in the hospital. Earlier, Ugwuanyi attributed the achievement to divine guidance, stating that his motivation was to provide quality healthcare services to humanity. He detailed the commissioned units, which include intensive care, renal and dialysis, brain and spine theatres, general theatre, and kidney transplant theatre. Other facilities comprise the neuroimaging and diagnostic unit, MRI and CT scan units, X-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, accident and emergency section, and laboratory. Ugwuanyi emphasized that the hospital would offer comprehensive treatment for neurological and renal conditions using advanced medical technology. Ugwuanyi also urged the government to enhance its collaboration with private hospitals to reduce medical tourism, noting that public-private partnership is essential for healthcare delivery. He remarked that globally, high-end healthcare delivery involves substantial private sector participation, and the government cannot achieve this alone. He expressed hope that the commissioning by Cardinal Onaiyekan would bring divine blessing and healing to patients seeking care at the hospital.
